The Big Bend Open Road Race, hailed as “The Most Challenging Open Road Race in the World,” will return for its twice-yearly events in 2025, taking place April 23–26 and October 15–18. This high-speed event brings hundreds of motorsports enthusiasts to the West Texas towns of Fort Stockton and Sanderson, drawing participants and fans from across the U.S. and Europe.
Held on U.S. Highway 285, the 118-mile course offers a blend of straightaways and challenging turns, with dramatic elevation changes that test the skill of even the most seasoned drivers. Divisions range from the Street Rod class, with target speeds starting at 85 mph, to the Unlimited Division, where drivers routinely surpass 200 mph.
The event’s rich history includes record-setting performances, such as Dave Golder’s top speed of 220.8 mph in 2002 and Tom Whalen’s average speed record of 172.249 mph in 2013. Each race draws a mix of professional racers and dedicated enthusiasts competing across a variety of speed classes.
With events in both the spring and fall, the Big Bend Open Road Race continues to be a cornerstone of motorsports in the region, offering excitement for competitors and spectators alike. The road will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during race days to ensure safety.
For more details or to plan your visit, check out the official Big Bend Open Road Race website.
